Wednesday, December 21, 2016

I do not know about you, but I am feeling 22... sorry only one person has said that to me since I have been 22, so I had to make up for it. BUT every year trying to get people together for New Years Eve plans seams impossible. It always feels that everyone is scrambling up to the last minute to get everything together. This happens every. single. year. No one knows what they are doing, and plans are made at the exact last minute.This year I think I have gone through 4 extremely different plans. It makes it so hard because I start my new job on the 3rd not leaving a lot of travel time. That means before Christmas and New Year I have to completely move into my NEW APARTMENT! I am excited, and have a fear of being by myself on the holidays so that complicates things.This year the plans are FINAL. Well, I made the plans and bought the ticket so I am heading down south regardless of anyone actually shows up. I will be with no snow and near the beach to bring in the new year!I only keep talking about New Years because this is honestly all my friends and I talk about. Here are some cute shoe options for the night.

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

New Years Eve is just around the corner and it can either be the best or worst day of the year. In the past two years it has been both for me. What year is which, is something I will never tell. However, it is always important to dress for the occasion. One year I wore a black party dress and the other year I wore green jumpsuit. Both fun outfits. This is the one day a year you can wear a sparkle dress, so live it up. I have a couple of options for NYE this year. ( Still not set in stone #Yikes) One of those options is hiking. Right!? Walking on dirt. However, here are some more traditional outfits to bring in the new year!

Thursday, December 15, 2016

As my real job is closely approaching, I needed some easy outfits that I could just throw on. Mornings are rough and if I just had some basic things to throw on that would make the mornings so much easier. I wanted to just pick up a few pencil skirts, but instead I picked up a new outfit. I was not going to go for the blazer because I honestly do not need any more (No such thing as too many blazers, right?!) I tried it on and the outfit was too good to pass up. Not only that, but this exact necklace is at Jcrew (Better quality at Jcrew rather than the factory), and it looks great tucked under a collar with a sweater. Here is the outfit I got.

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

We did it! Yesterday was the blogs 100th post for the year! That was the 2016 goal to get that many quality post in! With 100 post under the belt, this is just the beginning of this blog. I can not believe that I have had this since 2014. Come January, this will be the start of the FOURTH YEAR. I want to thank all 10 people that read this. (Most likely just my sister that views it from 10 different computers.) Honestly though this blog is my getaway. (As we know yoga did not work out too hot)

As fun as this all have been, there are even more plans! Lots to happen in the upcoming future! This post however, is not about the future it is about looking back at the past! Here have been some of my favorite post on this blog so far! Thanks again to anyone who reads this blog, you all are the best!The Revamp// This happened this year. The new layout and about me page. This took a lot of work for what felt like a baby step.

College Favorites// This is not why I started the blog, however I love looking back on events that took place. This was a one of the huge chapters of my life that ended this year.

Paris Travel Guide// Infographics, photos, and travel. This is exactly why I wanted to start a blog. I think this is one of my favorite post so far.

Party Pants//This is also what I love about this blog. I love the outfit post.

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Christmas cards can be a hassle. That being said there are more benefits for the holiday season! I thought it was going to be a good idea to make my own Christmas cards this year, I do not know why this was the best idea. However, it is fun to put them together!

Here is my list of reasons Christmas cards are great!1. Getting letters in the mail is so fun, so sending them is sending fun! 2. It is a great networking tool to stay in touch with people other than liking their Facebook profile picture. 3. If you make your own it is a purposeful craft. 4. It is a great way to stay in touch!

Sunday, December 11, 2016

Moms are hands down the hardest people to shop for. My mother's birthday is a week before Christmas, so it is a double hit. This year for her birthday my siblings ans I will be giving her alex and ani bracelets for what she means to us.For Christmas we are thinking it is either a good idea to get are a big item she wants, that way we can split it up between the siblings. Another idea is getting her a manicure gift card. There is still time to think. Another good idea is to ask your mom to go shopping with you for the holidays and she will point out something she wants, so you can just get that for her. If that is out of the question here are some other ideas!

Saturday, December 10, 2016

I feel like women friendships are all of a sudden the biggest thing. It as if all of a sudden people realized that women are friends with other women! Groundbreaking! This was on Emma Watson's feminist book club. I am stealing it too. I thought it would be a hard read, but it is quick and to the point. I really enjoyed reading this in between little breaks.

Me and Mom and Me is an amazing book that deals with a girl and her mother's relationship. (It is weird calling Maya Angelou a girl). It also talks about love and how powerful it is. I forget if this book mentions it, but as people we love romantic love, but so often forget about all the types of love in our lives, “Love heals. Heals and liberates. I use the word love, not meaning sentimentality, but a condition so strong that it may be that which holds the stars in their heavenly positions and that which causes the blood to flow orderly in our veins.”

Friday, December 9, 2016

December means a lot of get togethers. Which also means dressing up. Here are some of my favorite pics for the season of giving. I was debating on going with this one, but ended up with a red lace one that ended up selling out! I am not usually a red person, but I thought it would be fun to mix it up with the holidays. Here are some other fun choices.

Thursday, December 8, 2016

What even was this month? What was November? What happened? Who are you? Who am I? How do I still have my shoes on? We just have not located us yet!! (Darjeeling Limited Humor). I got into yoga this past month, and it is a horrible workout. However, I do love how it puts your mind in a different place. (which if you have a chance look at brain pictures of before and after meditation, it will change your perspective). I can see the benefits from this workout, it works on your arms and balance. (which balance is something that I need to work on desperately, hashtag I fall when I stand) Nonetheless, you need to incorporate cardio as well.Also, this November there was a lot of time with family and friends. It was good to see everyone. November was a weird transition, but I think every November and February always will be. That is just life. I hope everyone learned a lot from this month. I think the biggest take way from this month is that I learned life will be there. The problems will continue to be there until you deal with them head on, and relationships with who ever will be in a place until the problem is resolved. Basically what I am saying is when Soshana from Girls said "You know how people say that you can't run away from your problems? Well, I moved away from mine. And it worked." That was a straight up lie, and later in the season we learned it, and I think we all have to live it to believe that. It is a right of passage. Here is everything that got me through this crazy month.

Red Wings Jersey// I went to a Red Wings game almost immediately when I got back from my trip.I love going downtown, and seeing everything that changed. Seriously, Detroit is the fastest changing city right now, I swear. "I have not unpacked my bags since the day I turned 21", but seriously I have not unpacked since I graduated. That being said I was unable to find any Red Wings gear. I did not wear a jersey, but I do want one for the next game!Walking Shoes// Nothing big happened in November, but I did do quite a lot of walking. I went to see Turnip Rock, which Michigan is stunning. Face Mask// My skin was horrible this month. I think going from eating fresh food every day to whatever is in our food here, took a toll on my body. I tried every trick in the book. Portable Phone Charger// Again, I was moving around a lot and my phone has decided to die whenever it wants. (This would have been good in Europe too)Pink Blazer// I was making fun of my high school self for needing a pink blazer just the other day. Then I saw pink blazers pop up everywhere. I could not tell if I loved or hated the look. I think I love it. Patagonia// Should this favorite's name just be renamed to "I am post grad, and I have two months before my next thing"? Yes, I lounge around a lot. It is also extremely cold in Michigan, and this sweater is amazing. Essie// I am really digging the winter white look. This matches amazing with that. Lip Color// I hate red lipstick. I think it is so tacky. The only person I know that looks good in it is one of my college friends. Even Taylor Swift does not look that great in it! For the holidays if you want the look, try a deep berry. It looks great!

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Have I ever mentioned that there are a lot of things I am bad at? One of those is photography. I only know the one third two thirds rule. That is about it. However, I love a good photo. I think that is why everyone loves Instagram. They are so fun to look at! So why not join in the fun?So fun blog news, we are going to Des Moines! I have been to 18 countries, and of all places Des Moines is the place to be. I had a couple of different choices of where I would be post graduation, and this choice felt so right. It is such a weird feeling that something can feel so right, and trust me. There were a lot of things that almost pulled me away, and I could not pass this up. It is so weird and crazy and never in my entire life would I ever think I would be here. Still, it happened. So here is a little peek of all of the fun that is going to happen in the next year.

The top photos is when I got my job offer in March! Next is the sculpture garden, which is my absolute favorite place in Des Moines. Lastly there is a fun little Michigan picture after my trip!

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Boots are perhaps the best shoes ever invented. I would like to thank skinny jeans for making what boots are what they are today. But real talk, boots are the comfiest shoes ever. Plus, if you are wearing snow boots in the winter you can walk through everything! I personally love the black boots to pair with leggings, to make your legs go for days (even if you are a shorty)

Sunday, December 4, 2016

Welcome to Berlin during the fall! There is a whole island dedicated to museums! How grand is that? This was one of my favorite pictures I took in Germany, I love how the vibrant colors are surrounded by total grey. A good capture of what fall actually is, beautiful colors with horrible weather. Plus Europe is so far north the falls get harsh. Here are some of my favorite fall nail colors for this season:

Saturday, December 3, 2016

Guys are so hard to shop for. For other women, you just think of what you would want, and get that for them. I do not even know what a guy would want. Here are some things that have worked in the past. Honestly though I just ask other guy friends what to get for the guys in my life. #Guilty. (I'm sorry males are so hard to shop for!!) I feel like the better you know the guy the easier it is, but sometimes you just need to get a gift and have no idea what to get. Here are some of my top picks for what I will be getting for some of the people in my life.

Overall, the best gifts are the ones that mean the most, but sometime you just run out of ideas. Happy gift giving!

Friday, December 2, 2016

I personally try to get my holiday shopping done as fast as possible. If I do not have to walk into a store, and I can just do everything online, I call that a win. That being said, things need to be done quick! This guide is for all the women in you life. These are the gifts for the girls that have everything. There are some fun trinkets, and cute go-tos that no one really thinks to buy for themselves.

The Polaroid camera is the perfect ultimate gift. It is the least functional gift, but amazingly fun!

The coffee mug is a cute idea because when you drink from the mug you remember the person who gave it to you during your morning coffee or goodnight tea! Plus, everyone can use another coffee mug. Lastly, my favorite gift I have ever been given was my monogram necklace. Getting a classic piece of jewelry that you can wear everyday was such a nice thing, and I always think of the person who gave it to me when I put that necklace on.Have a very happy holiday, and good luck with your gift shopping!

Thursday, December 1, 2016

I am cold. In fact, I could possibly be the new ice queen. Move over Elsa, bmack is in town. My hair is the color of Icicles ( thank you purple shampoo, even though no real human actually likes the bottled white hair) I am so cold being here in Michigan, that I went to Hot Yoga today, and did not break a sweat. That is not even dramatic, that is the cold. hard. truth. With that being said, dressing the part for winter is all the more important. Having a cute winter coat on hand is probably the most important part of keeping warm. It is similar to carrying around a blanket with you, but more socially acceptable. Here is to keeping warm!

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

1.
Tim Gunn//I love fashion and
I love business. This is an amazing video done by Tm Gunn talking to designers
about changing the industry because, news flash, humans come in many sizes.

2. THIS THIS THIS//I wish modern manners were passed
around more. Some stuff from our parents is so outdated. I love the phone tips.

3. What You Can Do For Veterans// Veterans
Day has just passed. Lots of people thanked me, and all I have done for this
country is roll in the dirt and taken some classes. There are some amazing men
and women out there that have done someincrediblethings. They are the reason that
this country is so amazing. If you have some time please take it and give back,
even if it is just a little.

4. Good Girls Revolt//I havewaytoo much time on my hands. I am 5
seconds away from completely scrap booking my planner. At this moment I am
watching TV for the first time since middle school. If you are going to watch a
show, watchGood Girls Revolt.It talks about a lot of different
issues that are unfortunately still facing this country today. There are a lot
of things I do not agree with what so ever (infidelity in relationships,
closing off communication in a relationship.) BUT it also does bring to light a
lot of issues that are still real in today's world.

5. Poems//I went through a Poem kick
my freshman year of high school. With this one so often verbal and physical abuse is talked about for bad
relationships, but emotional abuse is often ignored. I love how this videobrings that to light.

8. Behind the
Scenes// I love Instagram. Instagram is in fact, my favorite hobby. This is a campaign that brings to light on camera we can look glamorous, but behind the scenes things can be a little different. Never take anything at face value.

Monday, November 28, 2016

I was not really dying to go to Italy, and other than it being total chaos, it was simply lovely. Long story short I went to Milan solely for the fact that I wanted to go to Wes Anderson's cafe. I had reservations, and I went off on the town to Milan. I was kind of tired, so I asked to meet up with my parents. They said they were just heading to happy hour. I joined them and long story short, I did not make it to my dinner reservation. We had a fun time and I guess somethings are more important than going to a trendy restaurant.

Venice on the other hand was so
spectacular. Remember how I said pairs was not romantic what so ever, well from
Venice on that changed. There was one song that was constantly played by every
accordion player on the continent of Europe. I think I was going to burst. That
being said there is no other city like Venice. It is truly original. The colors
are fantastic, is has a constant smell of sea food, and it is under water! It
is one of a kind and worth the visit.

With the cooler weather there comes warmer clothes and darker colors. I love mini skirts for fall, pair them with tights and you are good to go. I also am a huge fan of the military jacket, which can be paired with everything. With these pieces below you will be able to mix and match the pieces for a million outfits. Enjoy the fall weather, and the warmer clothes!

Monday, November 21, 2016

So I give a lot of love to Michigan, and in return get SO. MUCH. HATE. I love the state. I have lived in an handful of places and Michigan has had some great places. How do I know this? Because I have lived here for the past three years!Anyways this is a lame blog post, as they ever get. "How do you know this Bmack? You aren't even a blogger" Okay I get it, I'm not actually a blogger. ANYWAYS. Michigan was okay today. I wanted to take my new car out on a spin, so I went to an amazing place with cliff rocks (If anyone is a true fan they know that Denmark was suppose to supply some amazing views but did NOT((is it too early in the game to make jokes about having fans?)) ) Today I saw some amazing cliff rocks, and a dozen other favorite views from Michigan. I even saw teo lighthouse! As well as, got a jog in. Lots happening on the coast of Michigan. Here is a sneak peak.

Also here are some cute outfits for "mild" hiking. Notice how I said mild because there are people on this planet that spent days hiking with 40 lbs of gear of their back. This kind of hiking is the kind you do for an hour at a time, get breaks, and can run back to your car if need be. (Also what I wore today)

Sunday, November 20, 2016

I was not the biggest fan of London, however I was a big fan of the fashion in London. London fashion week had just finished when I got there. When I was there I realized just how provocative Americans dress. I am not saying to not show any skin, but as Americans we bear it all. In London they lived by the 1/3 rule. You can either show: legs, bust, or arms. There are two quotes that go with this. And YES I know they are both american, but the quotes still stick. ( I hate to quote Marilyn Monroe, but here they are):"Your Clothes should be tight enough to show you are a women and loose enough to show you are a lady." -Marilyn Monroe"The higher the hem, the lower the heel" -Tory BurchI am a bigger fan of Tory Burch than Marilyn Monroe, but nonetheless both quotes are worth listening too. Fellow Londoners were big on this rule. Which was such a breath of fresh air. The styles there were retro and mod. Here were some of the popular street fashions.

Saturday, November 19, 2016

I am not the biggest fan of the holidays, in fact you could almost say that I hate them. Okay, I hate the holidays. Everyone is stressed, trying to one up each other, and you get asked all of those weird questions that you brain does no need to think about. Thanksgiving on the other hand is about food. Food and football, which no one on the planet can complain about. So you whip up a meal or two put on a cute outfit and there you go Thanksgiving. Not to mention you can watch a parade on the television in the comfort of your own home! Here are the first of many outfits for the beginning of the the the holiday season. Good luck my friends.

Friday, November 18, 2016

The City of Lights! After London I was not expecting too much form Paris. However, the second I stepped off the train, I fell in love with Paris. They call Paris the city of love not because Paris is so romantic. In fact Paris just might be the least romantic city I went to. There were people everywhere, bridges were crowded even late in the evening, there is no privacy, just hustle and bustle. Paris is the City of Love because you can not help but fall in love with the city itself. Every corner is filled with beauty. The little details in the architecture, little hidden away museums, whispering gardens everywhere. Paris is a city you can not help but love. There is inspiration and hope every which way. Paris was by far my favorite city I have been to. I do not know how anyone gets anything done here because there are distractions and lively things to do at any give time.

I know with true print you have to limit how many photos you put, but this is not true print. This is MY blog. Here are some of my other favorite moments in Paris. Musee de l'Orangerie was hands down the biggest must see. I think I cried when I walked into the room. Actually I went to walk in and then thought that I was not ready to experience that kind of beauty just yet, so I walked out put myself together and then once I was truly ready I walked in.

Musée d'Orsay is more of a hidden gem. I loved it because there was pockets of amazing art as well as just some beautiful pieces. Musee Rodin was a beautiful museum with pieces such as the thinker and the Gates of Hell. Honestly anywhere you go is going to be breath taking. Everything about Paris was magical. I have nothing but good things to say. Getting off the train and seeing all of the amazing architecture, seeing one of my very favorite bands (Young Blood Brass band incredible live), seeing all of my favorite artist, the history, the fashion. Not a single complaint.

Okay this post is way too long. I do not think there was a single thing I did not love about Paris. I truly hope this guide helps you on your next trip.

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Not enough people show us what is in their bag. Why should any of us care? Becauseeveryone is smarter than we are. That is right I said it. Every single person on this earth knows something we do not know. They have a tip, trick, or story that we have never even heard of. Which is amazing! That right there is why we all want to know what is in another women's bag. It sounds dramatic maybe even a little creepy, but what we carry on a day to day basis holds us together. So here is what I carry with me to make sure I can always make it from point A to point B.

The Bag// I love a good tote bag. If a bag can hold all my stuff as well as not look bulky, that is a winner in my book. Planner// I need to have something to write on and look at at any given time. Just because I want to plan out every minute of my day does not mean I am a type A person! But seriously if I do not write it down, I will not do it. I am also bad a to-do list I will write out everything I need to get done for the week every day, but hey it works. Pens// I think there is a black hole that eats all of my black pens. I lived in a hotel for three months, stole two black pens a day from the front desk, and somehow still do not have any black pens to my name. I do keep black pens in my purse all times, and the cuter they are the longer they seam to stay. Coin Purse// First of many wallets. This wallet I keep for the essentials. I keep my ID, debit card, and five dollars. Ready to roll at all times.

Water Bottle// I lost my favorite water bottle ever in an uber in Europe. (looking at you Vienna). I very quickly became very dehydrated. I think I learned my lesson and once I got back to my house became attached to my liter water bottle. Having a liter water bottle is so convenient. I know that I need to drink two a day and no less than three. If I add on any more workouts, coffee, or alcohol, four water bottles is extremely needed to be functional. 10/10 would recommend a liter water bottle for just how convenient it is to keep track of how much you need.

Headphones// I am hard of hearing, so I can not have a phone conversation without without both ears in the loop. Also if someone sends you a funny video and you have to see it now, you can!Polaroid Camera// I want very little things. If I want it, I get it for myself. Yeah if there is a designer bag I get that it is not functional. That being said I am not a fun person to get a gift for. I have everything. However, this Polaroid Camera is on my dream wish list. For the record I do not own the is camera, but if I had it I would bring it everywhere. It is so not functional, but how cool is it? (Check it out for a gift for the person who has everything)Checkbook Holder// I have not written so many checks as I have this past week. I guess checks are just a grown up thing. Having a checkbook holder with you at all times is convenient. Hand Lotion// If you live in Michigan you know how dry the indoors can be from December to March. Having hand lotion is not only great for you, but everyone will be your best friend at the end of Winter if you carry a little extra.

Face Powder// No explanation sometimes you just need a touch up.

Sunglasses// They protect your eyes from UV rays and make you look cooler.

Large Wallet// For when you need everything and anything this can hold exactly what you need.